Cold Keeps Tulsa ROTC Cadets From Marching In Veterans Day Parade

Tulsa Public Schools said it's too cold for some students to march in the Veterans Day Parade, and a list of those students deciding not to brave the cold may surprise some.

Starting around 11 a.m. Tuesday, people will pack East 6th Street by the VFW Hall to watch the Veterans Day Parade, but missing from the parade are cadets from two Tulsa high school ROTC programs.

When asked about the missing cadets, veteran and parade president Mike Callahan said, “free country,” which something he fought for us to have.

Video from last year shows thousands turned out for Tulsa's annual parade, but apparently the cold will be too much for ROTC cadets from Edison and Rogers High Schools.

“I'm not sad, I'm just surprised,” Callahan said. “That is supposed to teach you commitment and leadership, how committed are you?"

The Edison High School band will also not be marching.

Callahan understands this year's parade might not be as comfortable as years past, but he still hopes for the same community support shown every year.

“I've had phone calls today from 90-year-old men that was in World War II wanting to know if it's too late to get in the parade, and no it's not,” Callahan said.

TPS said it is proud of the longstanding tradition of participating in the parade. However, “Most of our ROTC units do not have the proper cold weather gear to protect our students. We hope the parade organizers will understand and we fully expect to be back in full force next year."

The district is making accommodations for students who still plan on being in the parade; bus Drivers will stay with the buses so students can use them to stay warm and students will be allowed to eat lunch on the bus as well.